Cops hunt for robbers after another Beryllium attack
Published:Wednesday | October 11, 2023 | 12:10 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter -
The year 2023 will no doubt be remembered, among other things, for a spate of attacks on Beryllium cash-in-transit teams as robbers continued their attempts at outgunning them on Tuesday.
Taking on the teams in busy commercial area or lonely roadways remains the modus operandi of the seemingly well-organised and brazen attackers, who often showcase some level of arms training.
Yesterday, about 1 p.m., the latest shootout unfolded at the Jamaica National ATM at the TotalEnergies gas station in Harbour View, St Andrew.
Lieutenant George Overton, head of corporate communications at Guardsman Group, of which Beryllium is a member, told The Gleaner shortly after the incident that a guard received “very minor” injuries.
He said no money was stolen.
The robbers fled the scene and reportedly changed cars.
The Gleaner understands that the security guards, who were travelling in a black Hyundai Staria, went to service the location.
Two of the guards reportedly went inside the ATM while the third was outside providing cover when a black motor vehicle drove up.
A man armed with a rifle alighted and opened gunfire at the team.
The police said gunfire was returned by the security team.
The Hyundai Staria received extensive damage to the front and rear windscreens, passenger window, side doors and trunk door.
A wall column and the door to the ATM were also damaged by bullets.
The right rear passenger window of a white Nissan Wingroad was also hit by bullets.
Several 5.56 and 7.62 spent casings littered the scene.
The guard, who received minor injuries while trying to take cover, was subsequently taken from the scene by a Beryllium logistics manager to receive medical treatment.
Investigators have sought to extract video footage from CCTV cameras installed at the gas station as the east Kingston police probe the incident.
Meanwhile, at least three arrests have been made in relation to earlier attacks and robbery incidents targeting Beryllium guards.
Those charged are Shamar Ayer, Dorrell Watson and Jevon Bashford.
Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson earlier this year announced that the police had reached an agreement with Guardsman Limited to provide escort service for its amoured vehicles during cash deliveries across the island.
However, Overton has said that, despite the agreement, it is virtually impossible for the police to provide escort service for every delivery, as more than 70 Beryllium vehicles operate across the country daily.
2023 attacks on Beryllium teams include:
February 27: JN ATM Portmore Pines, over $10 million stolen, guard killed
March 19: Scotiabank Portmore, over $20 million stolen
April 5: Attack in Balaclava, St Elizabeth
April 29: Attack in Albion, St Thomas
August 25: Scotiabank, Mandeville, undetermined amount stolen
October 10: Harbour View, St Andrew